Formula 1: Japanese Grand Prix could move from Suzuka to Osaka from 2025

Formula 1 could bid farewell to one of its historic tracks. It seems that the Japanese Grand Prix might relocate from the iconic Suzuka circuit to a new urban track located in Osaka. Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura has expressed his willingness to collaborate with the Osaka Convention and Visitors Bureau to try to organize the event. The goal is to incorporate the race into the Osaka-Kansai Expo project scheduled for 2025.

Suzuka’s contract with Formula 1 is set to expire
The potential move of the Japanese Grand Prix’s venue could be facilitated by the current contract between the Suzuka circuit and Formula 1. The agreement is set to expire in 2024, precisely the year before the possible change of location. In 2025, Osaka will host the Expo, and the governor aims to leverage this occasion to combine sports and tourism. The objective is to attract as many people as possible and, consequently, have a positive impact on the local economy.

According to reports from Sankei Shimbun, the initiative would be privately managed but with the full support of Bureau President Mizohata and Governor Yoshimura. However, Osaka currently does not have a permanent circuit. The plan is, therefore, to create a street circuit using public roads, somewhat similar to what was done in Las Vegas.

Naturally, this is not a straightforward plan, and there is currently no certainty that it will materialize. The appeal of Formula 1 is growing, and an increasing number of countries aspire to host a Grand Prix. Currently, only ten circuits have contracts beyond 2030.

Formula 1 is unlikely to exceed 24 races per season. Many drivers and team principals have already complained about this year’s calendar, indicating that they believe the limit has been reached in terms of the number of events. Therefore, Osaka will face fierce competition. However, the benefits of a successful event are substantial. The economic impact of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, for example, was estimated at $1.2 billion.

Certainly, Suzuka is part of Formula 1 history, hosting the Japanese Grand Prix since 1987 (with the exceptions of 2007 and 2008). Moreover, it is one of the favorite tracks among drivers, making it challenging to part ways with. The situation will have to be monitored to see if and how it evolves.